Southampton tower block homes ‘infested’ with bed bugs – Southern Daily Echo

A SOUTHAMPTON man hasbeen forced to chuck outfurniture at his council flat due to a bed bug invasion.

Gordon Carrick says he isafraid to go to sleep at night and isbeing repeatedly bitten by the creepy crawlies.

The 55-year-oldwho lives in Rotterdam Towers said he first noticed the "infestation" in January this year, just months after he first moved in.

He said: "I havent even got a sofa to sit on as I have had to get rid of that.Its affecting my mental health. On Friday night I couldnt even go to bed.

READ MORE:Residents of Southampton flats speak out over bed bug issues

"The house is infested, itis costing me nearly 400, they seem to be coming out of the walls."

Gordon saysthat an inspector from the council was supposed to visit last week, but never turned up.

He says he feels "ignored" adding that the authority "don't seem to bother".

"It has cost me 80 for that appointment.Its ridiculous as I should be a priority now," he added.

Gordon Carrick.

Gordon told the Echo that he has also had to help move a duvet out of another flat which has been infested.

Cllr Warwick Payne, who represents Woolston and Weston, has been in touch with several residents in the area recently about bed bugs.

He said "the situation does need action".

Cllr Payne said: Along with the case highlighted in Rotterdam Towers Im also dealing with another one nearby in Hampton Towers and I have contacted the Local Housing Office to see what assistance can be provided.

Regarding the case raised in Rotterdam Towers, I understand that an inspector was supposed to visit to establish the exact source of the bed bugs, but when they failed to attend.

But a Southampton City Council spokesperson said it does everything it can to help residents address pest control issues.

"Residents and landlords are expected to keep their properties in good condition, pay for pest control treatments where appropriate, and allow us to complete surveys if necessary.

"Our customer service colleagues are following up on recent reports and arranging for inspectors to visit affected homes as soon as possible.

It is not known where the bed bugs have come from but Gordon said he thinks they may have come from a communal area in the building.

Multiple cases of bed bugs have been reported at properties in the Woolston area.

The council has now said it will be sending an independent inspector to look at the problem.

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Southampton tower block homes 'infested' with bed bugs - Southern Daily Echo